The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Highland League: Keith chief eyes October restart date
Keith chairman excited by prospect of ‘early’ season kick-off
Keith chairman Andy Troup is hopeful of an October start for the Highland League after Scotland moved into phase three of its lockdown restrictions.
Although the resumption of non-professional contact sports is not due before July 31, indoor hospitality – vital for Highland League clubs – is permitted from July 15 with guidelines in place.
A further update is due from the Scottish Government on July 30, however the Championship, League One and League Two are all slated for an October start.
“I’m in constant dialogue with the league,” said Troup. “I always said I thought it would be January but I didn’t think we would be in phase three already.
“October would be fantastic but obviously the most important thing is people’s safety. There’s a lot to be considered by October.
“We’re waiting for guidelines on what things can be put in place at the ground. Do we need hand sanitiser, two-metre markings around the ground? There will be stuff that has to be changed and hopefully the costs won’t be too severe.”
Troup noted the release from the Scottish FA last week, stating elite clubs could reduce their testing from twice a week to once from Monday. With the cost at £50 a test insurmountable for Highland League clubs, Troup is optimistic of a further reduction come the autumn.
“No Highland League club would be able to pay for that,” said Troup. “But by the end of September or start of October, it might be down to zero (testing).
“Another big factor is the hospitality side. We wouldn’t survive just on our crowds. We pride ourselves on what we offer and that’s testament to people coming back time and again. It’s key for the club moving forward in keeping the lights on.”
Troup has been working with the club’s commercial team on innovative sponsorship schemes, in a bid to keep businesses on
“I always said I thought it would be January”
board despite the financial hurt they will have suffered.
He said: “We have come up with a few ideas to make things cheaper for businesses, as we know they have had a hard time as well. We know it’s important to keep them on board for the future, rather than take money off them when we know they don’t have it.”
Players and staff agreed to a pay freeze when lockdown began and they will not be paid again until football resumes. Improvements have taken place at Kynoch Park, such as renovating the boardroom, new doors on the turnstiles and the stadium gates repainted.